King James Version
Psalm 137
Mourning by the rivers of Babylon, exiled captives weep as captors demand cheerful songs of Zion while harps hang silent on willow trees. This raw exilic psalm expresses grief, intense longing for Jerusalem, and stark anger against oppressors. Placed among the post-exilic hymns in Book V of the Psalter, it records the historical pain of exile without glossing over deep sorrow or righteous indignation. A poignant key verse opens the poem: "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion." (Psalm 137:1). It stands as an honest portrait of grief and cultural memory.
1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
2 We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
3 For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
4 How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a strange land?
5 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
6 If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
7 Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.
8 O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
9 Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.
GO DEEPER
Carry this chapter with you
One personal verse every day, three layers of meaning, word studies and a place for your own reflection. Free to start.
